“I’ve had a threat,” Ford told reporters when asked about increased security at City Hall during the committee meeting. “I don’t want to (go into further detail) because it is still under police investigation but I don’t take it that seriously.”

But he added “you never know what people are going to do.”

Toronto Police Const. Tony Vella said the threat came via a phone call to 311, the city’s information line around 6 a.m. on July 14.

Anthony Vella, 56, of Toronto was arrested and has been charged with one count of threatening death. He appeared in court July 15.

Although they have the same last name, Const. Vella said he is “in no way related” to the man who was charged.